2021 Andre Kientzler Geisberg Grand Cru Riesling, Alsace

Intense aromas with a rich and varied aromatic scale, marked by an amazing mineral depth and overall refinement. Texture both ample and precise, with a unique dimension on tasting. The powerful and profound mineral intensity is coupled with a mature and precise acidity. Palate with great tension, intense brightness and purity. The overall framework conveys length, elegance and refinement. Drink within its early years to appreciate its freshness and aromatic generosity. Keeping your wine for 5 to 10 years will reveal its dimension and mineral complexity. Beyond this time it will fully reveal the brilliance of a Grand Cru. 13.5% Alc/Vol; <1.0 g/l RS; 8.78 g/l TA.
Tense, very long and salivating. Geisberg is dazzling and chiselled: its intense and subtle personality is expressed with restraint but less stiffness than in the past.

95 points Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France, La Revue du Vin de France, 2024

The Kientzler family has been growing vines for more than 5 generations in Ribeauvillé and the surrounding area. As early as 1866, Dominique Alphonse Kientzler had inherited vines from his father and grandfather and in 1895 was involved in the creation of France’s first winemaking cooperative in Ribeauvillé, in addition to running the local grocery shop. His son Alphonse carried on the grocery business while also tending to the vines; he eventually became the Mayor of Ribeauvillé either side of World War II.It was Alphonse’s son François though, who was the first to fully concentrate on wine production, taking himself off to Switzerland to study viticulture. By the 1970s, he was joined by his son André in the wine business and the pair undertook a massive replanting program to replace much of the old Chasselas with the noble Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer varieties.Today, the Kientzlers farm almost 14ha of vines in Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr, including significant parcels in the Grand Crus of Geisberg, Osterberg and Kirchberg. And in turn André handed over the reins to his sons in 2009; Thierry looks after the winemaking and Eric the commercial side of the business.'One of the most talented Winemakers in Alsace…..he has Riesling and Gewürztraminer growing in prime sites and it is what he manages to do with these that ranks his wines among the very best in Alsace. Although his generic Riesling has great class and finesse, his Grand Cru Geisberg and Grand Cru Osterberg are very much finer. The Geisberg is the riper and more opulent, with a wisp of smokiness to the fruit, the Osterberg is more classic and flinty, requiring longer in bottle.

The Wines of Alsace, Tom Stevenson

The Kientzler family have been growing vines around Ribeauvillé since 1699 and are widely regarded as one of Alsace's great traditional estates. André Kientzler helped establish the domaine as a benchmark for elegant, site driven wines, with successive generations continuing the family's commitment to meticulous vineyard work and patient winemaking.

Geisberg is one of Ribeauvillé's most distinguished Grand Cru vineyards, its steep south facing slopes of limestone and sandstone producing Rieslings of striking precision and aromatic complexity. The altitude and exposure allow the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining freshness, resulting in wines that marry intensity with finesse and reward careful cellaring.

The colour is a bright pale straw with shimmering green gold reflections. Aromas of lime zest, white peach and grapefruit unfold alongside notes of acacia blossom, fresh herbs and crushed stone. The palate is beautifully focused, with layers of citrus and stone fruit wrapped around a taut mineral spine. There is a wonderful energy to the wine, with vibrant acidity carrying the flavours through a long, saline finish that captures the essence of this celebrated hillside vineyard.

Perfect alongside freshly shucked oysters, grilled king prawns with garlic and parsley, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or asparagus risotto with parmesan and herbs. While already showing remarkable charm, the balance and structure suggest this Grand Cru Riesling will continue to evolve gracefully through to 2042 and beyond.